Question

A 1.5 kg block is placed on a frictionless surface and attached to a spring with a spring constant of 100 N/m. If the block is displaced by 0.2 m from its equilibrium position, what is the potential energy stored in the spring?

• A. \( 2.0 \, \text{J} \)
• B. \( 1.0 \, \text{J} \)
• C. \( 0.5 \, \text{J} \)
• D. \( 3.0 \, \text{J} \)

Hint:

The potential energy in a spring depends on the square of the displacement from the equilibrium position. Always use the correct spring constant and displacement in your calculations.